Amanda Peet Discusses Vaccinations

Amanda Peet Dishes on Her Views of Vaccinations

Recently challenged with playing a pregnant woman on–screen for Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, actress Amanda Peet has been enjoying the real life role of motherhood with daughter Frances, better known as Frankie. As many new moms ponder the possible side effects of vaccinations, Amanda did her own research and decided regularly scheduled vaccinations were just what the doctor ordered.

When asked about the controversial subject, the Manhattan raised thespian told Cookie that upon her pregnancy discovery, she called her brother–in–law, who happens to be a pediatrician, every five minutes to inquire about vaccinations and their benefits. After much investigating, Amanda decided to keep Frankie on a regular shot schedule. She said:

I buy 99 percent organic food for Frankie, and I don't like to give her medicine or put sunscreen on her. . . But now that I've done my research, vaccines do not concern me.

Like many parents keeping with the regular vaccination schedule, Frankie's mom is concerned about the non–vaccinated children surrounding her. The blunt mother said:

Frankly, I feel that parents who don't vaccinate their children are parasites.

Being open and honest about her thoughts probably won't win her brownie points or fans, but it seems to me that this mother of one is doing what she thinks is best for her sweet daughter. One thing's for sure, this isn't the last you'll hear from Amanda on the subject. She will soon be making appearances in public service announcements for Every Child by Two, a pro-vaccine organization.

I agree with some of these posts. I totally think it's a personal choice weather to vaccinate your children, or not. What I TOTALLY dont understand is why those who choose to vaccinate their kids get so angry at those who choose NOT to vaccinate? I mean....if your so confident in your decision to vaccinate...whats the problem? Based on what your belief must be, you must be totally safe if your kids are fully vaccinated, right?

As concerned parents, we have been researching the safety and effectiveness of vaccines for many months. Last night we participated in a presentation were the speaker was one of my favorite researchers and authors on the topic. Neil Z. Miller is medical research journalist and natural health advocate. He is the author of numerous articles and books on vaccines, and is the director of the Think Twice Global Vaccine Institute. He has a degree in psychology (with an emphasis on statistical analysis) and is a member of Mensa.
The presentation was about two hours and only touched the surface on the extensive amount documented data he has discovered through government, medical and scientific journals. He started researching vaccines before his son was born over 23 years ago. What began as a parental endeavor for information turned into a public awareness crusade.
He tells us most of the vaccine information that the public is told is misinformation and propaganda. Accurate data is not released through regular media outlets.
During the presentation they polled the audience on various questions. We learned that the U.S. has more vaccinations than any other country in the world and we also have the 42nd worst infant mortality rate in the world.
Dr. Baylock, a well known neurosurgeon has documented damage in children’s brains due to toxic overload from vaccines.
The “idea” that vaccines will keep our children safe is like playing russian roulette. Miller advocates parents being fully informed and know that they have freedom of choice, especially when it comes to the health and well being of their children. “Don’t count on your doctors to give you all he information.” Miller warns. He suggests looking at each vaccine independently and that is exactly was he has presented for all people in his book: Vaccine Safety Manual for Concerned Families and Health Practitioners.
We live in a pill popping society where there is a drug for every ailment, but we have more chronic conditions and diseases than we have ever had before. Drug companies continue to make drugs and vaccine manufacturers will continue to make vaccines. They will put pressure on the FDA to say that they are safe and the CDC to recommend them to the schedule. Currently families that follow the recommended schedule are giving their children 36 drugs by 18 months of age. “We are injecting healthy people with unhealthy substances.” Miller said.
Miller says, “There are more vaccines in the pipeline”. The next big push is for adolescent and adults vaccines, even vaccines for those with addictions. There are no studies done on combination vaccines and how they react with one another. Not to mention any reactions with other environmental, drug or food chemicals or toxins.
“This is not hearsay. I have documented all of this information.” Miller says. The FDA and CDC have a 12-15 member panel. The FDA determines what will be licensed and the CDC will then recommend it to the schedule.
Congressmen Dan Burton held congressional hearings to investigate these committees. There were clear conflicts of interest including, members that owned stock or patent to a vaccine or they were paid consultants to the vaccine manufactures.
In June of 2000 there was a ‘secret’ meeting of top officials from Big Pharma, FDA and CDC. There they discussed the evidence that vaccines were harmful and instead of alerting parents they spent the rest of the weekend on how they were going to cover it up. Robert Kennedy Jr wrote and article about this story for Rolling Stone in 2005.
Miller also addressed some common questions including mercury being removed from vaccines. In 1999 AAP said mercury was going to be removed from vaccines; however it was not required for the current stock of vaccines to be returned or destroyed. Three years later to balance that out, it was mandated that children get multiple flu vaccines that had high concentrations of mercury (thimerisol the chemical that contains 50% mercury).
Many parents choose to space out vaccines or create their own schedule. Miller thinks there may be some merit to it. He gave a drinking analogy. The reactions are different if you have shot after shot of tequila or have 1 tequila shot that night out with your friends. He still warns that if you decided to space out or do single shots the vaccines still come with significant reactions. There is no testing or screening to know if a child has a predisposition or may have a reaction.
We do know that more and more children are having reactions and autism is on the rise. The good news is for parents that choose not to vaccinate there are either religious or philosophical exemptions available.
Miller tells us that Autism rates surpasses cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined. This is a true epidemic. He also mentions the flu statistics are false. “More people die in this country from asthma and malnutrition than the flu.” Miller also spoke of the link between vaccines and asthma, mercury and autism but was very clear that mercury is not the only problem. “All of this information is documented information,” he repeats.
We are conditioned to believe that vaccines are safe and vaccines are effective. If this was true children would not be having reactions and dying and people that were vaccinated would not get the disease. This is clearly not the case.
Another astounding bit of information was about the Polio Vaccine. There is an industry that raises monkeys and then kills them to use their kidneys to develop the polio vaccine.
Monkeys carry several viruses and one in particular, SV-40 is known to cause cancer. Numerous people were infected and cancer rates have increased 20-30% around the world.
This virus is also transmitted similarly to AIDS.
The Vaccine Safety Manual is the world's most complete guide to immunization risks and protection. It includes pertinent information on every major vaccine: polio, tetanus, MMR, hepatitis A, B, HPV (cervical cancer), Hib, Flu, chickenpox, shingles, rotavirus, pneumococcal, meningococcal, RSV, DTaP, anthrax, smallpox, TB, and more. All of the information, including detailed vaccine safety and efficacy data, is written in an easy-to-understand format, yet includes more than 1,000 documented citations. More than 75 charts, graphs and illustrations supplement the text. This encyclopedic health manual is an important addition to every family's home library and will be referred to again and again.
Order Book http://www.powells.com/biblio/71-9781881217350-0

snowbunny.... when you become a mother... i think you may reevaluate your position (especially when you have to hold your infant for the first round of shots). you may not, but regardless it's a personal choice, a heated topic and we are all entitled to our opinions on it...
As per the article... Amanda Peet's research included talking w/her bil... who eventually arranged a series of phone calls between Peet and his own mentor, Paul Offit, M.D., (who is staunch vaccine supporter, happens to be a a co-inventor of the rotavirus vaccine...umm y'know the vaccine that was suspended from the schedule after reports of intussusception)... Personally I don't think listening to one side of the issue... is researching. Just an opinion there..

No, my kids will be vaccinated, so they should be fine. Vaccines don't cause autism, so your choice not to vaccinate is just a senseless risk to your children and pregnant women. And the world is flat, whatever.

i never said you were uneducated. uninformed is better. you cannot know what we're talking about. and to someone who has a miscarriage because of MY CHOICE not to vaccinate my children; shit happens. and isn't that what you are basically saying to me? suggesting that a certain number of children will get autism and how can you really know what will trigger it? guess what, gonna pick my kid every time just as you and every other mother would. and btw, vaccinations aren't required for a child to attend school so if you feel your kids will be at risk you might consider home schooling.

This doctor makes the point I attempted to make, so much more adequately:
http://64.233.169.104/search?q=cache:qefYfGhPl_8J:www.childrensvaccine.org/files/Gellin-Should-I-Vaccinate.pdf+should+I+vaccinate+my+child&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us&client=safari
I swear, this is like the "is the earth flat, did evolution happen?" kind of argument. Some people will feel the way they do despite overwhelming proof to the contrary, no matter what. Only, I don't give a crap if someone thinks evolution doesn't exist because it doesn't put me or my family at risk.

We have the tendency to be very arrogant creatures, wanting to control the world around us, and the things that go wrong in it. I can understand a bit of that, I have acne and I'm CONVINCED that every drop of dairy, sip of beer or sleepless night is going to break me out beyond belief.
The thing is, autism has been researched, and shown to have primarily genetic causes. Please, lickety and phat, if you're going to complain that I'm uneducated, site a reputable study that has proven a link between autism and vaccination? I can give you 50 links to studies that show there is no link, but what proof, other than the conviction that we can control our fate can you find that shows you're correct? There is no way you can justify putting other kids at risk. What do you say to the woman who miscarries because she was exposed to your child who had rubella?

phatE - I've only known one Mom who has chosen not to have her 3rd and 4th children vaccinated (her older 2 were up until just a few years ago and never had a reaction or illness due to vaccinations)... just with her 3rd child she became paranoid about things and decided not to risk the vaccination issue. she's done research - not a whole lot but enough to make her feel good about her decision. The only issue that I have with her is that she uses religion as her excuse as to not vaccinate even though she does not practice a religion that is against vaccinations. it's simply a scapegoat, an easy out for her rather than having to deal with the schools. I am sure she is not the norm, but I'm also sure she's not alone in this practice.
I'm of a mixed mind. I agree with you that medicine is practiced differently today than it was years ago - heck we have commercials on tv for drugs and you should ask your doctor about them! I just hate that. I don't believe that taking a pill for anything and everything is or should be the go to, end all be all answer all the time. I am not against medication don't get me wrong, I just think that in many cases (ADD, depression and such) other avenues could and should be explored before just opting to shove a pill down someones throat. I opted to vaccinate my children initially because when I started having children the vaccination debate wasn't that big, but then I continued to because for us and our family the risk of vaccinating outweighed the risk of not vaccinating. I realize that for others it's the opposite. Oh but getting back to my mixed mind point. Like I said I agree that medicine is not practiced the way it used to be and I am all for trying homeopathic and/or holistic methods - also with research first obviously. I'm also for people disclosing all of their medications etc. to their doctors and I'm totally against people using numerous pharmacies to get rx's filled, etc. I think people don't realize the risks involved of not informing your health care provider and/or pharmacist of your history and medicine intake. Communication is key I think. Even myself if I try a new medication - particularly otc/herbal etc. I always let my husband know lol it's almost funny. I'll tell him, "I just took xxx so if something should happen and I pass out or something you'll know what to tell the EMT's and docs" ...
I'm sure you're right that the majority of people who are against medications and vaccinations have done their homework and research.
I just don't think that religious reasons is an "educated" reason to not vaccinate. Many people go soley by what their religious leader or pamphlets tell them and don't do their own research as well. They tend to trust their leaders and dogma a little too easily. Please note I said many, not all, as I know not everyone does. I don't think religion can be called an educated reason to not vaccinate because it's based on a religous belief not neccessarily scientific study.
Thanks for giving your viewpoint.

and snowbunny, I think you've got alot of nerve to judge Jenny McCarthy, or really anyone who really has valid reason to question this topic.. I can agree that people play the mom card alot, but when it comes to a child's health, and wellbeing they have every right to whether you agree with it or not. Should more people become more educated? yes.. Should more people not just act like sheep and follow the crowd? yes.. but should those of you who are so strongly against their point of view attack them like this? NO! maybe you should look into some productive ways of communicating about this, instead of the counterproductive approach you've taken.

Kimpossible,
I get what you're asking, and I think that there are people (like with anything else) who just go along with it without really educating themselves or without really understanding why, and the significance of it.. However, I don't view it as the norm, and it's still considered pretty extreme, and the people I know who have taken this road really have done their HW and remained open-minded..
I think alot of the people who practice the religions that really are against vaccinating are pretty hard core as it is..Not EVERYONE, but this is just what I have seen, and what I think.. IMO religion has become pretty apathetic, and alot of people may say they are affiliated with one, but never practice it, or just attend on important dates, etc.
SO, (IMO) I really think people who go against the norm, especially when it comes to their child, really have a passionate belief, and most likely understand why they are doing, it, the benefits, and what can be done in replacement (instead of just doing it b/c everyone else is)
Does that make sense? My mind is everywhere right now.. :)
Now, are they educated on the medical/scientific reasons? Who knows, I know about 3 families who cite their religious beliefs as reason not to vaccinate, one of them has taken the time to research both sides, but believes in holistic approaches, the other one doesn't give a flip about the medical side, and completely disagrees with the majority of things practiced in medicine.. Not sure about the 3rd, but I think some people are really turned off with the way medicine is practices, and how "unnatural" it's become, and instead of looking at it piece by piece, look at the general views of other people in their same position and go along with it.. Now would I consider that educated? I think MOST parents care so deeply about their children that they don't just go against the norm for the hell of it..
I think the majority who are that against medicine really have their reasons and have really looked into it.A lot of them have personal reasons or experiences they are basing their decision off of, and choosing to practice holistic views, and taking whatever steps that route suggests.
I personally don't think the majority who are anti-vaccines take their decision lightly, but I also think there is always going to be room for more education, and I am not saying that's the best approach.. I am just saying there are other views, and I think the insults, and condescending crap some people say really is just ignorant, and probably not going to encourage people to see their point of view.
Practicing things outside of the norm, and still maintain the proper health care for your child or yourself isn't easy, it's easier just to go with the flow.. We are all SO different, and it's really not possible to have one way be the only way, if people were cookie cutter replicas of themselves, that would be easier,but there are valid reasons to not vaccinate your child as a baby. I really feel the majority of people have thought about it, and I know my family has in our situation so because of that, and because I have experienced the other side, I remain open to each case, instead of judging them.

PhatE - you said:
"that, and religious choices are perfectly good reasons to avoid vaccinating your child.. the people who make educated choices to not vaccinate have the right to do so."
just wanting to clarify - is a religious reason to not vaccinate an educated one? (I personally don't think it is, but I'm wondering what your opinion is on it).
Also to roxtarchic you said:
"give your baby 5 shots at a time... best wishes that she'll have no reaction to them. when your child DOES have a reaction..."
All 4 of my children went on the regular schedule of vaccinations, getting 4 and 5 shots at some visits (most of them only 2 or 3 a visit), and not one of the 4 ever had any kind of reaction, ever. No fever, no swelling, nothing. So it is possible for a child to have no reaction to multiple vaccinations. By all means you have a right to your opinion and how you medicate your child I'm just saying that it is possible that no reaction will occur.
I think this is another one of those subjects that there will always be opposing views on and very strong ones at that - this is our children we're talking about afterall. I think in cases like this is just best to agree to disagree. I know where I personally stand on the issue and I realize not everyone is going to agree with me and that's ok, and I hope to be given the same respect in return. Name calling is never productive so it should be avoided at all costs imo, especially among adults. It's just another extremist way to express ones opinions.

snowbunny, it is quite possible that people can make educated decisions to not vaccinate. I read the same studies (likely many more) and came up with the opposite opinion, so does that mean I just can't read properly? Oh and in Matthew Jesus says only the sick see doctors, not the well.
Doing anything to your body is a completely personal decision, you can't say I'm being neglectful because I don't believe the majority opinion, no matter how credible it MAY seem. How many times has the entire medical community been wrong? (thalidamyde, right?)

Do not, under any circumstance call me sweetie. It is impossible for someone to have made an educated decision not to vaccinate. If you examined all the studies that have been regarding vaccination, you can only come to one conclusion.
I had not considered the rare case where an individual has an immunodeficency issue might not be able to be vaccinated, when I said it isn't a "case by case" basis. But I did not mean to include them. So, restated: "UNLESS your child has a severe immunodeficency, it is NOT a case by case basis." Like I said, this is NOT a "mommy" decision. This is a public health issue, and the prevention of widespread dangerous disease depends on everyone participating.

snowbunny, you're all over the place sweetie..
you said: "It is unacceptable to say it's a "case by case" basis for people to decide whether to vaccinate or not." {which was in response to my first reply}
you then asked: "And really, in what case WOULD you want to not vaccinate your child?"
and then I replied about immune mediated diseases..
that, and religious choices are perfectly good reasons to avoid vaccinating your child.. the people who make educated choices to not vaccinate have the right to do so.. why don't you follow around the people who are just following a trend, or not doing their research..

I meant "your" in the general sense. The sad thing is, kids who can't get vaccinated because of an underlying immune system problem, they are the ones that are more likely to die if they contract measles. That's why I think it's even more selfish not to get vaccinated if you actually can. As long as the percent of vaccinated individuals in a population is high enough, then the outbreak is so rare that the person with the compromised immune system would not need to worry.
Also, I'm unaware of any section of the Bible, Torah, or Koran that specifically prohibits the use of vaccinations.

My religious views aren't applicable - I said above that I vaccinate on the alternate schedule.
I understand you don't consider it a valid reason. I obviously completely disagree. I consider someone's religious beliefs to be valid.

Phat- OBVIOUSLY I was not advocating that children who have a horrible immune reaction to vaccination get vaccinated!? Where did I say that? I was talking about the people who won't vaccinate their child over fear that there could be a link with autism, or parents who don't want to vaccinate their kids because they don't believe in medicine! The herd immunity threshold rate is usually 85%, so not every single child needs to be vaccinated if it would be harmful to him/her. I'm sure they don't advocate that kids with seriously weakened immune systems, possibly from AIDS or Leukemia get vaccinated.
But if you are worried your perfectly healthy might get sick from a vaccination, while I am sure it is possible, it's very rare. However, if we make a country-wide effort to stop vaccinating kids, what is not just possible, but for sure, is that they WILL get sick from an epidemic, and some will be disabled, and some will die. People are very worried about smallpox for instance coming back, because the vaccine for that is no longer manufactured. And remember, we no longer worry about kids dying from smallpox because it was VACCINATED against.
Also, I just read that there was a recent outbreak of measles in North America, like over 100 kids got infected.
Also, I would never say that all of the shots must be done at once, just that eventually the vaccinations should be given.